Paul Mahaica, lead coordinator of the inaugural adult ‘Learn to Swim’ programme, says the initiative has exceeded expectations and the next logical step should be its expansion into other regions.
In a brief comment with Stabroek Sport on the first day of activities at the Colgrain Swimming facility, Mahaica said, “The turnout for the programme has exceeded our expectations. We have seen parents, fathers, mothers and grandmothers, who are 60 and 70, state that they are excited and that this is a lifelong dream for them as they couldn’t afford it. They are very eager to learn.”
He thanked the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport as well as the National Sports Commission for commencing this initiative, adding, “The next step or goal is to move this programme around to the various regions.”
The inaugural adult ‘Learn to Swim’ programme is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and the National Sports Commission and follows the successful Easter Vacation Swimming Programme which was staged in April.
The programme, which is being conducted every Saturday and Sunday this month is staged at two facilities, the National Aquatic Centre, Liliendaal and the Colgrain Swimming Pool, Georgetown.
The initiative takes place from 14:00hrs-15:00hrs and 15:00hrs-16:00hrs respectively.
The National Aquatic Centre is utilized Saturdays while the Colgrain Swimming Facility is used on Sundays.
Presently, more than 1200 individuals have registered for the project.
